Plans for world-class BMX track in Adelaide’s south

A WORLD-class BMX track is being planned for Adelaide’s southern suburbs.

A WORLD-class BMX track is being planned for Adelaide’s southern suburbs.

Marion Council will investigate building the state’s first BMX hub capable of hosting international competitions in O’Halloran Hill.

The Majors Rd track would combine Hallett Cove and Happy Valley BMX clubs, host national and international meets and cater for high-performance training for riders of all ages.

Advocates say it will bring millions of dollars to the state and nurture future champions, who for years have had to travel to Queensland to pursue their sporting dreams.

Hallett Cove BMX Club chairman Trevor Wigg welcomed Marion Council’s decision last week to investigate moving the club and said it was the first step for the growing sport.

The council has also helped the club write a grant application, asking the State Government for $50,000 for a study into whether the BMX hub would be viable.

“I’ll be excited once we have a lease signed on some land, which is a way off at the moment,” Mr Wigg told the Guardian Messenger.

“At the end of the day if we didn’t get a red cent from anybody we would make this happen.

“It would probably take 10 years but we’ve got some committed people in this sport.”

Olympic rider and former world number one Sam Willoughby, who started at Happy Valley BMX Club, moved interstate to further his prospects as local tracks did not meet national or international standards.

His mother, BMX Australia Academy coach Sharon Willoughby, said the proposed BMX hub would provide more opportunities for young riders and ease the financial pressure of families travelling to Brisbane to train and compete.

“A lot of riders are doing their schooling and travelling interstate to train, which means time out of school and time away from work for families,” Mrs Willoughby said.

BMX Australia data showed the 2013 National Championships in Brisbane attracted 3000 competitors and provided an $8.35 million economic benefit.

A round of the National Championships in Shepparton, Victoria, last year put $11 million into the local economy.

Marion councillor Janet Byram, who has been working on the proposal with the two southern clubs, said the BMX hub would cost about $1.5 million to set up.

“There is no need for a big flash club,” Ms Byram told last week’s council meeting.

“We’re not looking at a site that has a big clubhouse.”

A spokeswoman for Recreation and Sport Minister Leon Bignell said he had encouraged the council and clubs to apply for funding to see what BMX could do for the state.

“Adelaide is already known on the international stage as a cycling city,” the spokeswoman said.

“The State Government wants to ensure we continue to build on this.”